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'Keep an open mind' and other tips to catch the Lone Stranger, Sidekick and bag the loot

Shasta County’s notorious desperados, the Lone Stranger and Sidekick, ride again for the annual fake bank robbery on Tuesday.

In hot pursuit, the Asphalt Cowboys always catch the culprits in time for the Redding Rodeo parade. Correctly identify the Shasta County celebrities behind the masks or where they hid their loot earlier in the week, and win money.

The Asphalt Cowboys have yet to reveal which bank they’ll strike, but the Lone Stranger and Sidekick will send daily clues shortly after the robbery. Follow the clues daily in the Record Searchlight or if you want them right away, on Redding.com.

The Lone Stranger and Sidekick pulled off a fake heist Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Golden Valley Bank on Hemsted Drive. The mock robbery is part of Rodeo Week and staged by the Asphalt Cowboys, who weren't able to catch the duo during the getaway.(Photo: Mike Chapman/Record Searchlight)

Now for some tips to catch the beloved bandits and dig up the loot:

Unmasking bandits has become a family tradition for Randi Slaughter of Redding. She identified the Lone Stranger and Sidekick in 2018. Her husband, Rocky Slaughter, won the contest in 2017. She offers three tips to help sleuths win:

The Lone Stranger and Sidekick are well-disguised, but it helps to be familiar with community leaders and business owners ahead of time. So, keep up with the news.

Don’t just look for names in the riddles. Look for key words that help identify the real professions of the Lone Stranger and Sidekick.

There’s no penalty for incorrect guesses, so call several times with guesses.

The Asphalt Cowboys' ramblin’ riddler Cameron Middleton of Redding writes the clues. He offers these three tips for loot-seekers:

Remember the loot is always hidden on public property. “That’s a great way to narrow down the search,” Middleton said.

Early in the week, try to figure out the general location first. “Keep an open mind,” he said. “It’s probably not the first place you think of.”

Say the clues out loud. Middleton wouldn’t elaborate but said “it will help.”